by Flying not only plays with her sleep – it can also mess up with her stomach. Air pressure, dry cabin air and long seating times can slow down and lead to expanding in your intestine so that it is inflated, sluggish or uncomfortable.
And although it is tempting to grip for comforting foods or snacks out of habit (or boredom), what you eat and drink in the air can influence how you feel during and after your flight – from intestinal problems to disturbed sleep and dehydration.
It is not only as easy as packing your contact point nuts, since some food-to-peanuts-first allergenic allergens can be for other passengers, some airlines ask that they do not bring them on board. So what is Plan B?
We asked Varsha Nagaraj, children and family and a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) to share their expert advice on what else we should keep in the air – and what is a packaging instead.
1. Sprudel drinks and chewing gum
You may be tried to snap a can of cola or chewing gum during the start, but both can lead to unpleasant flatulence in the middle of the air. This is because chewing gum and carbonated drinks can lead to swallowing more air, which leads to gas, abundance and bursts – not ideal if they are strapped into a seat in 35,000 feet.
Nagaraj adds that bubble drinks can also interfere with their shuteye. “The sugar could affect your sleep (due to blood sugar), especially if you travel to different time zones,” she says.
Caffeine can also be counterproductive on a flight because it is a diuretic, which means that they would be more. This increases the risk of dehydration – already a problem in the dry air of aircraft cabins – so Nagaraj recommends restricting the intake.
Instead, try water or herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger, which can also help to calm down the digestion.
2. Heavy, fat meals and creamy desserts
This melted ham and cheese toasty may sound soothing before the flight or in flight or in flight, but your intestine may not be thanks because fat-rich foods can slow down the digestion. Add cabin pressure changes and hours of sitting, and you may feel bloated or sluggish.
Nagaraj recommends staying on lighter meals and snacks when flying, especially if they are susceptible to symptoms. This means that they skip creamy pasta dishes, butter biscuits and rich puddings. What if you spoil yourself? “Try not to eat too much in portions,” she adds, especially on long-haul flights.
3 .. salty processed meals
Many meals and snacks during the flight are equipped with salt, fat and preservatives, and this may not be good for their comfort. “The majority of the food available on the plane is not so healthy with high sugar and fat, processed food,” says Nagaraj. “And that is not necessarily good for our digestion or our health.”
Salzy meals can also increase dehydration and cause water retention. As a result, they feel swollen, bloated and uncomfortable in height.
If possible, opt for snacks with a low sodium (such as unsalted crackers or fruit) and avoid processed meat like bacon in sandwiches.
The moisture in moisture is one of the best things you can do when traveling. (Getty Images)
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can be free on some long-haul flights, but it’s worth thinking twice before saying wine to this mini bottle.
Many people report that they get drunk faster in an airplane, which may be due to air pressure and dehydration. “It also bothers sleep cycles,” says Nagaraj. Not ideal if you end up in another time zone.
If you drink something, change with a lot of water and avoid too much, as this can illustrate dehydration or impair your vigilance in landing.
5. trigger food (for you)
That is personal – but crucial.
Regardless of whether it is acidic fruits such as apples or a certain sauce that do not sit well or lead to heartburn or stomach problems, listen to your body. You will thank you later. “Everyone is different. So if you know that your trigger are sharp foods, you know that you stay away from the stay during a flight,” she adds.
And whether they fly alone or fly with children says Nagaraj that it is a good idea to plan in advance so that you have food from which you know that you agree if your flight is delayed.
If you have a short flight with limited food options, she recommends “to check the airline’s menu in advance or to pack snacks that you know from which you do not disturb your stomach”.
So what should you eat and drink in the air?
Snacks
Nagaraj recommends food with a high fiber and water content to support the digestion and keep them comfortable. “Fruit and vegetables are quite refreshing … fresh would be good or even dried fruits because they give us energy,” she says.
If you want an alternative to chocolate rods and chips, she says: “Flapjacks or oat base are usually higher in fiber … You now also get snacks with lentils, they are another good option.”
Nagaraj says that some may prefer to bring their own snacks to a flight, which is “also cheaper”. (Getty Images)
Main meals
Look for main meals on longer flights for vegetarian or lighter options. “If something has something with porridge or with rice, it is easier to digest than wheat,” she says.
And if you have a pleasure? That’s okay – just switch it off.
“People go on vacation to relax … it’s okay to have something small, but especially those with digestive problems like IBS should be more aware of what they consume.”
Read more about traveling:
